Airmatic Issues
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
From: Elk Grove, CA
2013 Land Cruiser, 2007 GL450 [SOLD], 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited, 2009 Corolla LE
Airmatic Issues
GL had an Airmatic light on the cluster and says visit workshop. So I schedule an appointment to take it in for checkup. The day of the appointment when I left our home I notice the GL dropped out completely and wasn't going to the normal height. I end up calling a dealer and setup a tow service. They fixed it in couple of hours. Airmatic compressor was faulty and it was a recall. While it was at the dealer they did a pulley recall. No issues now. See some of the pictures on the tow truck with GL(low rider) on tow truck. Any of other owners have any issues after new compressor was replaced.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
My GL's rear end, usually both but sometimes individually, drops while parked. On startup, it comes up fairly quickly to what looks like a normal height. Do you have any paperwork on these recalls? They may help me out!
Thanks,
STP
Thanks,
STP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 11
From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
I always wondered what the GL would look like lowered and yours looks pretty good!
Its about time for the recall airmatic notice after all the failures. It is just a bad design and some manufacturing defect since it happened on so many different models. My E55 went out after 24,000 miles. The black GL was to the left was in the holding area for the same problem. It had to be brand new if the pic was taken in September 06.
Its about time for the recall airmatic notice after all the failures. It is just a bad design and some manufacturing defect since it happened on so many different models. My E55 went out after 24,000 miles. The black GL was to the left was in the holding area for the same problem. It had to be brand new if the pic was taken in September 06.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
S-500, GL450
Perhaps another AirMatic issue; My 07 GL450 makes a random & somewhat loud "spitting" sound which is as difficult to describe as it is to predict exactly when the sound will occur or intentionally reproduce. I've heard the sound while the vehicle is moving, while stopped & idling, and just after the car is turned off.
The sound resembles that of grinding gears - or starting a car that is already started.
My dealer has informed me that the noise is normal and it is the AirMatic system equalizing / evacuating excess pressure. Is this true? Do other Mercedes with AirMatic make this noise? (My S500 does not) Is it possible that this noise is exclusive to the GL?
The sound resembles that of grinding gears - or starting a car that is already started.
My dealer has informed me that the noise is normal and it is the AirMatic system equalizing / evacuating excess pressure. Is this true? Do other Mercedes with AirMatic make this noise? (My S500 does not) Is it possible that this noise is exclusive to the GL?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
Perhaps another AirMatic issue; My 07 GL450 makes a random & somewhat loud "spitting" sound which is as difficult to describe as it is to predict exactly when the sound will occur or intentionally reproduce. I've heard the sound while the vehicle is moving, while stopped & idling, and just after the car is turned off...
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
S-500, GL450
Hi 43221B - You're right maybe it is not "loud". It's louder than the engine and it is increasingly more noticeable once you start listening for it. I've told people about the noise and they never seem to hear it happening... but the other day, it scared a little old lady as she walked by in the crosswalk.
I've always been a bit skeptical about the sound being normal and once I read about the Airmatic compressor recall mentioned in this thread, I became curious as to whether or not the noise was a warning sign.
I've always been a bit skeptical about the sound being normal and once I read about the Airmatic compressor recall mentioned in this thread, I became curious as to whether or not the noise was a warning sign.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
My Gl makes four different airmatic noises:
- Compressor noise
- A "Farting", when the front end needs to lower quickly & it is cold outside
- Same thing, but when it is warm, it sounds like a sliding cardboard box
- A musical three tone whistle when the rear end needs to lower quickly
They are all normal. An airmatic S class has less suspension travel, and therefore smaller reservoirs at each corner = less noise.
- Compressor noise
- A "Farting", when the front end needs to lower quickly & it is cold outside
- Same thing, but when it is warm, it sounds like a sliding cardboard box
- A musical three tone whistle when the rear end needs to lower quickly
They are all normal. An airmatic S class has less suspension travel, and therefore smaller reservoirs at each corner = less noise.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
From: Elk Grove, CA
2013 Land Cruiser, 2007 GL450 [SOLD], 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited, 2009 Corolla LE
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
From: Elk Grove, CA
2013 Land Cruiser, 2007 GL450 [SOLD], 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited, 2009 Corolla LE
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
From: Elk Grove, CA
2013 Land Cruiser, 2007 GL450 [SOLD], 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited, 2009 Corolla LE
STP,
Sorry, I don't have any letters from MB. I went in for service because I had the airmatic light came on cluster to visit worshop.
Sorry, I don't have any letters from MB. I went in for service because I had the airmatic light came on cluster to visit worshop.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
I had my compressor & pulley replaced a couple of years ago when I took it in for service. Each time I take it in, the SA runs a TSB report.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Orange County, CA
1999 E320 Wagon - sold. 2007 GL320 CDI
Perhaps another AirMatic issue; My 07 GL450 makes a random & somewhat loud "spitting" sound which is as difficult to describe as it is to predict exactly when the sound will occur or intentionally reproduce. I've heard the sound while the vehicle is moving, while stopped & idling, and just after the car is turned off.
The sound resembles that of grinding gears - or starting a car that is already started.
My dealer has informed me that the noise is normal and it is the AirMatic system equalizing / evacuating excess pressure. Is this true? Do other Mercedes with AirMatic make this noise? (My S500 does not) Is it possible that this noise is exclusive to the GL?
The sound resembles that of grinding gears - or starting a car that is already started.
My dealer has informed me that the noise is normal and it is the AirMatic system equalizing / evacuating excess pressure. Is this true? Do other Mercedes with AirMatic make this noise? (My S500 does not) Is it possible that this noise is exclusive to the GL?
